New York governor commits $20 million to Erie County water infrastructure upgrades
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a significant investment of $20 million aimed at revitalizing water infrastructure in Erie County, New York. The allocation will enable the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) to embark on a long-anticipated $80 million modernization project, including the renewal of water filters responsible for treating 60 million daily gallons from Lake Erie.
These essential filters have not undergone substantial upgrades in over seven decades.
Addressing the importance of safeguarding water systems, Governor Hochul emphasized, “Water is our most vital resource, and by not protecting it and its delivery mechanisms, we jeopardize our communities. Today's funding marks a crucial step in the first major enhancement to Erie County's water infrastructure, guaranteeing clean drinking water access for over half a million residents for generations to come."
The initiative signifies the inception of a comprehensive infrastructure venture designed to ensure that the Van de Water Treatment Plant can serve up to 180,000 Erie customers without enduring prolonged service interruptions. Moreover, it equips ECWA to manage heightened demand on the system. The investment extends the longevity of water infrastructure, affording more than 550,000 customers dependable access to affordable and safe water.
The Erie County announcement underscores Governor Hochul's dedication to clean water. The 2023-24 Enacted Budget incorporated an extra $500 million for clean water initiatives, a proposal championed by the Governor. This augmentation brings New York's overall clean water infrastructure funding to $5 billion since 2017.
To optimize these contributions and maintain cohesive collaboration with local governments, the Governor introduced Community Assistance Teams. These teams proactively reach out to small, rural, and disadvantaged communities, facilitating their access to financial support for tackling water infrastructure challenges. The initiative is underway, and EFC (Environmental Facilities Corporation) is open for inquiries from communities seeking assistance.
Additionally, in November 2022, voters endorsed the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, a historic step towards modernizing aging water infrastructure, bolstering water quality, and enhancing communities' resilience to environmental challenges. During Earth Week, Governor Hochul announced the availability of Bond Act funding, supplemented by existing state funding, yielding a total of $425 million in state water grant funding. This collaborative approach further advances the state's commitment to sustainable water management.
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